Arne Slot sack rumours emphatically denied by trusted source as Liverpool interest in Man Utd target is confirmed | OneFootball

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Speculation that Liverpool could sack Arne Slot this weekend has been addressed by James Pearce, while sources have revealed that FSG has drawn up a list of four potential replacements should the axe fall at Anfield.

The Dutchman breezed his way to the Premier League title in his first season at the helm, proving that Liverpool have emphatically made the right decision over their picking of Slot as the man to step into the very sizeable shoes left vacated by Jurgen Klopp.

However, after a record-breaking summer spend of £440m (€505m, $600m) was intended to take the Slot project to the next level, the opposite has been true with the 47-year-old embarking on a very tricky second season at the helm and with his new signings taking their time to find their feet.

A truly horrific run of results across the autumn saw the Reds lose nine times in 12 games, form which put Slot’s job at serious risk and with the Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle revealing the manager was just one week away from the sack.

Remarkably, Liverpool have since gone 10 games unbeaten and while five of those are draws, their second-half performance on Thursday at table-topping Arsenal served as a strong reminder of what the Reds are capable of.

Incredibly, a menacing report in Spain this week suggested, though, that Liverpool chiefs were ready to turn their back on Slot and set to wield the axe this week.

However, trusted journalist Pearce, who writes for The Athletic, has moved to play down speculation that the Dutchman’s job is under any immediate threat.

“No, my information is that his job is not in any jeopardy at the moment – and I don’t think it should be,” Pearce said on Off the Ball Radio.

“Because, Liverpool are in those Champions League places despite all the problems they have had. When I speak to people who are senior at Liverpool, there is a lot of compassion and understanding for the things Slot has had to contend with.

“Not least the tragic loss of Diogo Jota in July. You cannot just overlook something like that. It is impossible to quantify just how much of an impact that has had.

“I think he has made mistakes, there is no question about that. Last season, everything he touched turned to gold. This time around, tactically he has got it wrong at times. His substitutions have not had the same impact as last season.

“There are also a lot of things that have gone wrong that were beyond his control.”

He added: “I certainly don’t think Arne Slot’s job is on the line. To me, that would be absolutely nonsensical.”

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Liverpool target four exciting bosses should Arne Slot be sacked

Like any well-run club, however, we can reveal Liverpool do have contingency plans in place should the axe fall on Slot at any point.

To that end, sources have revealed FOUR exciting names on the Reds’ radar, though it our sources are also keen to stress that the defending Premier League champions have no immediate plans to part ways with the Dutchman, despite what has been described as a challenging season.

Sources close to the club indicate, however, that while Slot’s position is secure as it stands, a comprehensive review is planned at the season’s end to assess his long-term fit at Anfield.

However, as our correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, writes: Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and sporting director Richard Hughes are understood to value Slot’s tactical acumen and the stability he brought in his first year.

‘Reliable sources state the his job is “not in any jeopardy at the moment,” with no plans for a mid-season change. Contract talks for an extension – once seen as inevitable after last season’s triumph – have been shelved amid the current form dip, however.’

And while Slot is safe for now, contingency planning appears to be underway. Insiders have linked the club with four high-profile candidates should a change be deemed necessary in the summer.

On that list is Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, who is also on Manchester United’s shortlist of options to replace Ruben Amorim. The Austrian has impressed with both his handling of the media and the way he has fashioned the Eagles as not just a steady Premier League side, but also won capable of winning trophies, as shown by their FA Cup triumph last season.

Anfield chiefs also admire both Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola – like Glasner, due to fall out of contract this summer – and former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, whose attractive brand of football with Marseille is challenging PSG’s dominance in France.

Francesco Farioli of Porto completes the list. The young Italian has caught attention with his innovative tactics in Portugal. His versatility and modern ideas represent a bolder, forward-thinking choice.

Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai should not leave for Real Madrid in 2026, according to a Hungarian pundit, who has argued why the star should stay at Anfield and turn down a potential move to Estadio Bernabeu.

Elsewhere, Fabrizio Romano has doubled down on Liverpool exit claim for Federico Chiesa after the star’s ‘zero minutes against Arsenal’, and despite Pearce himself firmly ruling out the prospects of the winger departing this month.

And finally, a stunning report has claimed Liverpool have made a Tottenham star a ‘major target’, while TEAMtalk sources have revealed Spurs’ plans for their prized talent.